
The Artichoke
Quick info
About The Artichoke
The Artichoke is a pub in Rickmansworth, on The Green overlooking the village green, with a canal nearby. Inside, the traditional English layout includes nooks and corners. The kitchen serves British food, including fish and chips with fat chips and a steak and homemade pie plated with mash, green beans and gravy. The bar pours guest ales, and cocktails are on the menu too. Out the back, a decorated marquee tent gives the pub space to host events and parties. The pub takes walk-ins, so no booking is needed for a table.
Good to know
“Stylish contemporary pub overlooking the village green, serving British cuisine and guest ales.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, steak, cocktails and homemade pie.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, steak, cocktails and homemade pie.
Customer Review Summary
Fish and chips is the dish reviewers name most as a highlight, with the fat chips described as crispy, though one diner received a portion with part of the fish missing and mushy peas despite asking for garden peas. Others praise a perfectly cooked steak, a homemade pie with creamy mash and rich gravy, burgers, and cocktails. The small bites draw mixed comments: haloumi fries were not too salty, while the pork bites needed more flavour and the buffalo cauliflower arrived with Sriracha on the side. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and kind, and several describe a lovely setting on the green with outdoor seating, a decorated marquee, and comfortable nooks inside. The recurring caveat is pace and noise. Reviewers mention slow service at busy times, including Easter weekend, when staff apologised for delays, and one diner sat beside a large party could not get attention for a steak knife after a medium rare steak arrived well done. One reviewer reports being given less change than expected after handing over cash for a tip, which the waitress disputed after checking the till. Event hosts describe a smoothly run summer party.
Customer Review Summary
Fish and chips is the dish reviewers name most as a highlight, with the fat chips described as crispy, though one diner received a portion with part of the fish missing and mushy peas despite asking for garden peas. Others praise a perfectly cooked steak, a homemade pie with creamy mash and rich gravy, burgers, and cocktails. The small bites draw mixed comments: haloumi fries were not too salty, while the pork bites needed more flavour and the buffalo cauliflower arrived with Sriracha on the side. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and kind, and several describe a lovely setting on the green with outdoor seating, a decorated marquee, and comfortable nooks inside. The recurring caveat is pace and noise. Reviewers mention slow service at busy times, including Easter weekend, when staff apologised for delays, and one diner sat beside a large party could not get attention for a steak knife after a medium rare steak arrived well done. One reviewer reports being given less change than expected after handing over cash for a tip, which the waitress disputed after checking the till. Event hosts describe a smoothly run summer party.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“An absolutely incredible venue, run by a brilliant host, with an outstanding team. Everything from the moment we arrived was full on 5 Star service. Nothing was too much and all the staff friendly, engaging and totally focused on providing brilliant food and service. We were there for an event, which went without a hitch. The pub is clearly and rightfully very popular and was very busy with other customers too. My only complaint..wish you were closer to Salisbury and would then be able to be a regular ! Absolutely and highly recommend.”
- Google user
“Every summer we run our flagship Summer Party for 100 Business Owners- it is our absolute joy to host this at The Artichoke - from the moment we discuss the date and plans through to the incredible things our clients say to us the day after the event it is stunning- the way they bespoke our decor, find entertainers, display the food, manage each individual clients personal drinks bill and how they make us so proud as a business to run this event each year- I can strongly recommend this venue, the food and the team, all led by the expertise of Jason Keen - the owner”
- Google user
“We booked a reservation for 7o'clock. Ordered our meal which was nice. We asked for our bill and it came to less than 60.00. I wanted to leave a tip so gave 80.00 in 4 x20.00 notes. The waitress came back with 2.75 change. I queried this and she said I only gave her 60.00. This simply was not true as like most people I very rarely have cash. I had 100.00 in my purse when i left home and there was only 1 x 20.0 note left in my possession..She insisted that she had checked the till and it was correct. Funny how a till check can take seconds. We have been ripped of and taken for fools. I cannot express our disappointment as the pub itself is nice and well placed for a summer evening. I did intend to leave 10.00 tip but never again..”
- Google user
“The Artichoke. Riding along the canal, spotted this place on Croxley Green and decided to pull in. No regrets. Got off the bike and just stopped. That was the whole plan, there wasn't one. It sits right on the Green, and it looks the part before you've even got off the saddle. Lovely entrance, room to leave the bike, and the welcome's warm the second you're through the door. Inside it's beautifully done, all comfortable little nooks and corners you can disappear into. There's a marquee out the back and outdoor seating that comes into its own the moment the sun shows up. Sat out there with the Green in front of me, and I was in no hurry to get back on the bike. Gastropub rather than boozer, and it knows it. The menu's varied and actually interesting, none of that copy paste pub grub. Cocktails are a proper effort too, which you don't always get out this way. Staff were the real story. Not scripted, not going through the motions, just genuinely glad you're there. Best kind of stop, the one you didn't plan. Ride out that way and pull in.”
- Google user
“The Artichoke is a fantastic traditional English pub with a wonderful atmosphere and consistently excellent food. We make sure to visit every year and it never disappoints. The steak was cooked perfectly, full of flavour, and beautifully presented, while the homemade pie with creamy mash, green beans and rich gravy was classic pub dining at its best. The setting is warm, welcoming and full of character, making it perfect for either lunch or dinner. Friendly service, great food and a genuine pub atmosphere make this a place we always look forward to returning to. A must-visit if you’re in the area!”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Bars near The Artichoke
- Black Horse4.59842.1 mi£10–50ReservationsGood for kids
outdoor huts and pods, crispy battered fish, recommended chips
- Nascot Arms4.61,3792.6 mi
prawn tempura, tom kha / tom yum soup, pub and restaurant combo
- Boom Battle Bar Watford4.82,9342.6 mi£10–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
cocktails, karaoke, axe throwing
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The ArtichokeWheelchair accessible | 4.41,358 | — | — | fish and chips, steak, cocktails |
| Black HorseReservations · Good for kids | 4.5984 | 2.1 mi | £10–50 | outdoor huts and pods, crispy battered fish, recommended chips |
| Nascot Arms | 4.61,379 | 2.6 mi | — | prawn tempura, tom kha / tom yum soup, pub and restaurant combo |
| Boom Battle Bar WatfordReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.82,934 | 2.6 mi | £10–30 | cocktails, karaoke, axe throwing |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.




